Santa Cruz Farmers Markets

Bill grows over 10 varieties of organic apples on 15 acres. His main varieties are Fuji, Jonagold, and Pippin, with smaller amounts of Braeburn, Gala, Granny Smith, Empire, Cameo, Pink Lady, Orrin, Sonata, Mutsu, and Black Twig.

New Natives is a Santa Cruz based microgreens, sprout and mushroom farm started by Sandra Ward and Ken Kimes in 1982. Sandra states, “We started very green but, curious and eager to embark on a creative endeavor where we would learn much and possibly make a living”. Developing the growing system and many processes on their own, the two worked day and night spurred by increasing demand. Over three decades their tiny production in a garage blossomed into a business with 10 employees producing over 2,000 lbs. weekly. With your health in mind, New Natives harvests their microgreens in the sprout stage when the plant is feeding from the seed. This stage is noteworthy for a high concentration of vitamins and enzyme activity in addition to flavor. To find their spectacular array of sunflower, broccoli, scallion and arugula shoots, aside a spread of colorful mushrooms and tasty sprouts, stop by their farmstand at the Live Oak or Downtown Santa Cruz Farmers' Market.

Phil and Katherine Foster farm 300 acres of C.C.O.F. certified organic vegetables and fruit on two ranches near San Juan Bautista and Hollister, California. They have been growing food for Santa Cruz County residents and beyond for decades specializing in melons, sweet corn, peppers, garlic and onions among others. The Fosters have a dynamic understanding of what determines a responsible, high quality business and name and integrate many responsible practices including alternative energy - the farm's tractors and trucks are fueled with B-99 Biodiesel and they harvest solar power.